LOS ANGELES - A week from now, Rick Neuheisel will lead UCLA's football team onto the Rose Bowl field, a emotional moment for the former Bruins quarterback.
"It will be a thrill," Neuheisel said. "Some people who were with me through thick and thin will be with me coming out. This is kind of a thank-you, a tip of my cap, to them for being great friends. It will be very exciting. Then I'll go to work."
Ah, the work.
That, for this season, won't be demanding, at least by those outside looking in. Expectations for the Bruins boil down to this: The bar is set, now everybody limbo.
A year ago, it was Rose Bowl or bust (they went bust). Players even talked whimsically about being ready to play in the national title game (they weren't).
None of that this season. The journey that begins against Tennessee a week from today has already been mapped out. According to all preseason predictions, anyone who has UCLA reaching a BCS bowl game is just a nutty little Bruin.
That suits those sweating in Westwood just fine.
"People were expecting so much from us last season and I think that kind of went to guys' heads," middle linebacker Reggie Carter said. "Now they don't expect anything from us. I always liked being the underdog. I hope people think we're the worst team in the nation and talk bad about us every week."
Turning that angst into some I-told-you-so finger pointing - and a bowl game - will require the right answers to the harsh questions that continue to be asked after three weeks of fall camp.
Is that an offensive line or a cattle drive?
This is the linchpin to the whole deal. The Bruins' lineman have spent fall camp hearing how they can't even block hats. Now they are looking to answer back on the field.
While the top 10 linemen on the depth chart include two converted defensive linemen (Darius Savage and Jess Ward) and two converted tight ends (Scott Glicksberg and Nate Chandler), their teacher has a blue chip resume. Offensive line coach Bob Palcic has forged more than a few quality linemen in his time, including two Outland Trophy winners.
"I can see the outside view, that there is lots of inexperience," tackle Nick Ekbatani said. "What people have overlooked is I have never seen a group of guys work harder since I have been at UCLA. We need to grow up and the only way to do that is by playing. I feel there will be a dramatic change in every series we play, from the first game and every game after that."
Is a community college transfer the answer at quarterback?
Kevin Craft, who played at Mt. San Antonio College in 2007, got the job after the Bruins lost Patrick Cowan and Ben Olson to injuries. He is scheduled to be the first transfer quarterback to start the opener in his first UCLA season since Troy Aikman in 1987. He is the first community college transfer to start the opener in his first season since Mark Harmon in 1972.
Aikman ended up winning three Super Bowl rings. Harmon ended up starring in "St. Elsewhere" and "Chicago Hope." Craft may be not reach those heights, but, given protection, he may do more than act like a quarterback.
He did start five games at San Diego State in 2006 and he did throw for 4,231 yards at Mt. SAC last season. And he has Norm Chow, the Dumbledore of offensive coordinators.
"I like Kevin's athleticism and dedication," Chow said. "He looks you right in the eye and tells you if he made a mistake. I like that in guys."
Will the Bruins start screaming "the sky is falling" the minute things go bad?
The defense is solid. The depth will improve as a talented class of incoming freshmen gain experience. But who steps up when the Bruins need someone to calm nerves, push and prod? Volunteers are testing the waters.
Said tailback Kahlil Bell: "I don't know what outside expectations are nor do I care."
Said defensive tackle Brigham Harwell: "I love it when people trash us. It drives us."
That is a trickle-down theory that has worked. Neuheisel has all but stopped people on Westwood Village sidewalks to tell them he is relentlessly optimistic. He continues to make his case.
"I've seen teams rise to levels that maybe individually you couldn't imagine," Neuheisel said. "I played on a team that went to the Rose Bowl are starting 0-3-1 [in 1983]. Expectations are low outside looking in, not inside. Those are always high and we have to try to hold each other to them."
Besides, Neuheisel said, "the alternative, to me, is unacceptable."
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Comments » 43
orangesox writes:
Game week is here. BRING ON THE BRUINS!!!
MrBamSeydu writes:
One Man's Opinion is that expectations, whether inside, outside, in between, or around.... it won't matter. Because a week from today, there is a Big Orange Crush from the SEC coming into the Rose Bowl and none of that will matter.
To UCLA fans: you are about to understand what everyone's been talking about when they say "SEC speed".
UT 34 UCLA 13
newtonrail writes:
My wife and I personally like Harmon on NCIS. Oh wait I digress, let's stick to football. We should win this easily, or all the prognosticators don't know what they are talking about.
wyomingvol writes:
I thought that was Fred Dryer.
Oh, wait. You are right, "Hunter".... Great show.
From the looks, a great 'big name no game' opener for the Vols and should grow some confidence.
Past that, if the team (VOLS) gets a big head and doesn't go out and dominate,,,,,,, Trouble.
See You there,
GO VOLS, I'll hang up and listen to Ya'.
rootin4volz writes:
UCLA best prepare for a walk out to the back of the woodshed.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Get up on them early and please don't do the patented turtle play-calling in the 2nd half.
Great article at Tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080826/SPORTS0601/808250327
If I screwed that up - go to Tennessean.com - sports - article on Holbert senior fullback
Vols1998 writes:
Just remember, UCLA is a Div I team with good to great players. If the good bring their A game, it could be a tougher match than everyone thinks. I do not like being overconfident, but being prepared and going head to head in their stadium will require sharp plays up front and often, we do not want to be the team that gives UCLA their swagger. The coaching staff are not chumps, look what Cutcliff did on his return, do you think Norm Chow knows a thing or two about QBs and offense?
Do not get too cocky...play smart...play hard.
Go Vols!
SemperVol writes:
brdeteton-thank you for your call.
Vols1998-Yep.
GoVol writes:
No doubt we will have the best team, however, we all know the best team doesn't always win. Turnovers and special teams are very key...they can change the momentum and change the entire game...even the outcome.
GO VOLS - take care of business!
miamiVOL writes:
TENN : 36
UCLA : 16
GoodGame, going out to C A L I in 5 DAYS
PennVol writes:
I like it when our opponents have low expectations! Obviously not an SEC school...GO VOLS! Can't wait to see the "new" offense!
SemperVol writes:
TENN: W
UCLA: L
I'd prefer to leave the Rose Bowl in a fit of joy, reveling in perfection as our team humiliates a football great on that storied gridiron, but I've just got my sights set on a "W."
miamiVOl: Headed out this Friday with my buds, I bid you my blessings. Godspeed.
SemperVol writes:
Question:
Given that, The Tennessee River lays host to the Vol Navy, I-40 East paves the way for the Vol Convoy, and the Big Orange Army patrols the Campus grounds.
What will we call the air brigade that invades Los Angeles????
DennisVols writes:
UCLA is a team that is not as bad as some would think, but at the same time not as good as some would think.
UT's coaches need to ensure this team stays focused on the task at hand. As we saw last year, the year of the upset, there is never a week you can not be beat. Lets not forget there were 8 straight weeks last year in which either the #1 or #2 team in the nation was beat by a lesser ranked team.
D-1 football has balanced out a great deal with the reduction in scholarships. We can not afford to look past UCLA or UAB to the UF game.
We need to play every game as if it was our rivalry game. Want to beat every team as bad as we do the gators or bama.
So lets be focused and play the kind of intense game we would against any SEC team.
orangebloodgmc writes:
Well-said, DennisVols. We gotta bring A game.
Volchaz writes:
Gotta remember last years opener. New Special teams coach will earn his money against UCLA. GOVOLS, beat the BRUINS...
volguy41nlouisiana writes:
WOW....well the UT flags are a flying on the car today....getting ready for Monday....Pizzing off all the LSU fans around town....lol...BUT lemme say this....UCLA is at home....crowd is gonna be nutzzz....Neuheisel will be a teary-eyed girl coming home and his players will respond...WE HAVE GOT TO BE UNDER CONTROL during the opening...play smart....dont take anything for granted...and let them know WE are here...leave em snotbubbled and loosened chin straps........GO VOLS
jcherrie#219531 writes:
I think we should win by 20 points - but I can't get Appalachain State/Michigan or Stanford/USC out of my mind. Even though they are beat-up and young UCLA is well coached and talented. It's a 3 hour time change into a hostile environment.
Besides our talent and experience, the best thing we have going for us was our loss at Cal last year. I think this one is close for a half or 3/4 until we pull away.
orangebloodgmc writes:
They are the underdogs, playing at home and will have nothing to lose if they gamble repeatedly. If they have watched any recent film of us, they have seen us getting burned by fake punts and (What do you call a go-for-your-own-kickoff when you don't make it obvious by putting teeing up the ball on its side?). Be ready, Vols.
Volunatic writes:
I'll be happy if the Vols win by 1 pt.
volboy81#211803 writes:
Button up your chinstraps and put on your game-face, Vols. UCLA wont be a patsy. We've got to be ready!!!! SEVEN days until ITS FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEE!!!!!
Pasadena, here I come!!
CoverOrange writes:
Semper,
Shock and Awe?
UTAF
underratedvols writes:
What's the story on the new quarterback? A lot of potential or not? Appear to be ready to go or gonna need to get a few games under his belt?
Can't wait till the UCLA game been a long boring wait for all this to get started.
cjraney writes:
I expect it to be a somewhat ugly and tightly contested first half. I think we will have a slim lead. We should slowly pull away in the second half and win by double digits.
As great as Clawson sounds, his first game is on the road in the Rose Bowl against UCLA with Norm Chow calling plays. I don't expect him to start slinging it all over the field.
mtnbikrtn writes:
Posted by SemperVol on August 25, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Question:
Given that, The Tennessee River lays host to the Vol Navy, I-40 East paves the way for the Vol Convoy, and the Big Orange Army patrols the Campus grounds.
What will we call the air brigade that invades Los Angeles????
I'm still thinking about the name, but the (to be named later) Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR) is an all VOLUNTEER unit. GO VOLS
SemperVol writes:
Turbo,
Smokey's Squadron.
Equipped with Morley Missles and Berry Bombs.
(Just a thought, work in progress)
givehim6 writes:
I'm so excised! Sounds like UCLA is coming off there own down year like we had in 2005. We will see what will happpen in 7 days.
volmattna writes:
Im gettin pumped headed out to LA thur! ! Vols 38 , Bruins 14, GO VOLS
Ralph_Crampton writes:
Vols must realize that a tactic used by opponents in California is to come out at start of game hit us between the eyes and scoot off to a quick lead. Vols seem jittery at start of games in California anyway, allowing their foe to grab them by the throat. Cal did that last year in first two minutes blitz that by the time we settled down we were behind two scores. Be ready, stay focused from the start, C'mon Vols be cool..imagine you are playing Georgia.
jeremyinitalia writes:
Getting ready to head out to Pasadena on Saturday...I hope all the Vol fans appreciate the history and beauty of the Rose Bowl. It is not loud or intimidating. It is like playing football in an arboretum. The Arroyo is gorgeous. Make sure you walk over to the south side of the stadium and get the view of Mt. Wilson. Be sure to stroll around old town Pasadena and take a drive down Orange Grove Blvd. Much like the other hallowed cathedrals of college football, the Rose Bowl is special...who knows, maybe TN will be there on New Years Day (or a few days later) pretty soon. GO BIG ORANGE!
Major_Magilicutty writes:
Please remember to sing the following at the game come the fourth quarter when UCLA fans are exiting the stadium:
Duh duh duh duh. Duh duh duh duh. Hey hey hey. Goooodbye!
jasonn1970 writes:
If UCLA shows steady improvement throughout the season they could win 6 or 7 games. They won't be winning one on September 1.
Vols 30
UCLA 0
IBleedOrange444 writes:
I'm going going back back to Cali Cali!!!
Vols win this one by at least 12. The UCLA "D" will be a good test, but UCLA's rag-tag "O" line should be the difference. It shouldn't be hard to get pressure on the QB in passing situations and shut down their run game to force them into 3rd and long situations. We should be +3 in the TO margin when it is all said and done.
See y'all there. I can't wait to see the Rose Bowl fill up with orange!
Come on Big Orange; don't let Fulmer down on his b-day!
Homermoosevols writes:
Check this. I thought it was right on.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/college...
Rebelsfball2008 writes:
in a recent poll UT vs UCLA was the most anticipated non conf. game this season in 1st ABOVE USC vs OSU
http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/sportsn...
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Homermoosevols 4 pm - Good link - but I would expect to see that pic of Phil in GQ.
Have the glazed became en vogue again?
Very frank article. Realistic non-koolade piece.
rbhobbs73#226545 writes:
I have been reading for months about the Vols "supposed" West Coast problems. That we don't play well when we go west, bla bla bla...what a bunch of phooey.
This is being made out like it happens repeatedly, when in fact...only last year was a problem!
Before last season we played at UCLA in 1997 and won. We played at UCLA in 1994 and lost our 5th year starting QB on the first series and after playing a baseball player and 2 true Freshmen QB's, the baseball almost led us back to a victory. In 1990 we played eventual National Champion Colorado to a 31-31 tie, missing an opportunity to kick a game winning field goal when Majors inexpicably handed the ball to Chuck Webb with no timeouts instead of passing the ball. In 1989 we went to UCLA and drilled the 6th ranked Bruins 24-6.
This is hardly evidence of West Coast problems for UT. If people are referring to Rose Bowl trips in the 30s and 40s or awful early Majors's teams going to USC...well that is just ancient history.
We had 1 bad game....it was last year. Go Vols and get back to whipping the Bruins like normal!
jcherrie#219531 writes:
rbhobbs73 -- I heard this from a "reliable" source: It would have been a long field goal. Chuck Webb was supposed to pick up some yards and run out of bounds - When Chuck saw open space between him and goal line - he decided to run for the endzone.
Regarding West Coast Problems - I've been there twice '94 and Last year - maybe I'm the common denominator. I hope not. I'll be there next week.
rbhobbs73#226545 writes:
jcherrie you are correct, but I wanted a pass and a long field goal try...if we missed it we still tied.
Webb did the right thing. Once he was in the secondary he had to try and score. I just thought they should have called a pass play. Great game though. I still believe the 1990 team was as loaded with talent as any we have had and Chuck Webb is the best RB we have suited up in my opinion.
IBleedOrange444 writes:
Homermoosevols on August 25, 2008 at 4 p.m.
An LA Times article about SEC football has about as much credibility with me as an article by a Bammer on personal hygiene.
IBleedOrange444 writes:
G-W:
I'm going stop by the Hilton on my way home and see if I can push the spread up for better odds. If the line is -7, I wonder what kind of odds they'll give for UT -8.5 or 9?
Probably going to bet $100 on our boys one way or the other.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Good reads at Al.com SEC predicts, etc- thumbnails
Ralph_Crampton writes:
Some of you guys sound too sure of yourselves. This game could be very close with a break here and there....Remember we are starting an unproven QB...half the coaching staff is new. We are stepping into the unknown. Vols must be smart at start of game last two games the California teams like to start off with blitz in first few minutes...to hit Vols between the eyes as generally the Volunteers start off the games shaky and timid. C'mon Vols get tough at start of game. Its hard to understand the mental approach..they play before mostly about a hundred thousand fans and nothing seems to faze them...but in the California games, it seems they freeze up...and also the Rose bowl will be half empty.
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